Where its NOT done my way...

This is not one of my normal blogs. It has nothing to do with a book review or writing. Try as I may to not include horses in every aspect of my life, I feel this is something I would like to share with you. So here goes...
For those of you who don't ride horses you'll never experience the tragic downfall of "rider pride" (that's what I'm calling it). God is the greatest Humbler of all but He's not always so forthright with it; sometimes he uses the little things to keep you in check.
Let me give you a little lesson on "Rider Pride" and I'll use myself as an example. I've been riding since I was 7 yo (I'm now 26) my ability and skill has grown exponentially. I can deal most everything any given horse may throw my way. A spook here A buck there. Or even a jump refusal.
As my skill progressed, it would take more and more force from any action to FINALLY cause me to come off my horse. Beginners all the way to Grand Prix riders WILL FALL. The reality is that one day a rider will, in fact, eventually find the ground with their body. This is not fun nor does it feel good. Sometimes these falls hurt and break bones other times (if you are fortunate) you land softly.


My "Rider Pride" comes from years and years of being able to prefect the art of keeping the horse underneath you. Its a skill I've had to work at. I don't expect a good solid piece of riding through a series of bucks to receive a standing ovation. But it should be commended; people all the way from being able to stay on during your very first canter to an explosion of animal beneath you is a big deal. The better you are the harder the falls get; whether on your body or your pride.
Horses are the greatest at teaching me that things are NOT always done the way I want. Casey, my horse, is a firm believer in practicing humility. He thinks that its his God given duty to assure that I do not get too big for my breeches (or saddle); that my head does not swell to gigantic proportions.
Today, my Rider Pride has been wounded. I hit the ground because my thoroughbred saw scary (INVISIBLE!) horse-eating tree monsters. Casey went for a mad gallop on open trail and I stood horseless in the midst of my trainer's group of 10. They were all firmly on their horses. I was unhurt and fell in soft sand, no scrapes could be seen. The only thing that hurt was that I now have to put yet another notch in the "Falls from Casey" category. There is a life lesson here... LISTEN TO YOUR TRAINER when she tells you "Don't drop your shoulders at a fence!" In the end, my wonderful friend Katie went to get my dear, sweet red headed stepchild. I got back on, finished the ride, and never ever dropped my shoulder again today.
No, but really, listen when people give you good solid advice in life. Be aware of what's going on around you. Listen to your gut, its usually right. And hold your head up when something embarrasses you... those situations happen to EVERYONE. No one is without blush-filled, ears-turning-red situations.
*pictures are not mine except last one.*
This is Casey and I preforming PROPERLY!